HU3S 

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Christ's  |1rcsfntt  the  Basis  anb  life  of  Christian  (Effort : 


SERMON 


PREACHED  BEFORE 


THE  PALESTINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY, 


AT  THEIR 


TUIRTY-TUIRD  ANNUAL  MEETING,  AT  NORTH  BRIDGEWATER.  MASS.. 


Junk  18,  185G. 


BY  CALVIN  TERRY. 


OF  THE  PILGRIM  CHURCH,  NORTH  WEYMOUTH. 


PUBLISHED  BY  VOTE  OF  THE  SOCIETY,  BUT  AT  THE  EXPENSE  OF  THE  AUTHOR 


BOSTON: 

PRINTED  BY  JOHN  WILSON  & SON, 

22,  School  Street. 

1856. 


Christ’s  |]rcscncc  tbc  $asis  anb  2*ifc  of  Christian  Cffort : 


A 


SERMON 


PREACHED  BEFORE 


THE  PALESTINE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY, 


AT  THEIR 


THIRTY-THIRD  ANNUAL  MEETING,  AT  NORTH  BRIDGEWATER,  MASS., 


June  18,  1856. 


BY  CALVIN  TERRY, 

OF  THE  PILGRIM  CHURCH,  NORTH  "WEYMOUTH. 


PUBLISHED  BY  VOTE  OF  THE  SOCIETY,  BUT  AT  THE  EXPENSE  OF  THE  AUTHOR- 


BOSTON: 

PRINTED  BY  JOHN  WILSON  & SON, 

22,  School  Street. 

18,36. 


SERMON. 


Matt,  xxviii.  20.  — “ Lo,  I am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end 

OK  THE  WOULD.” 


Whenever  and  wherever  Christianity  has  been  cherished 
and  exhibited  in  its  purity,  it  has  been  felt,  and,  directly  or 
indirectly,  acknowledged,  to  be  a commanding  force.  And 
this,  whether  regarded  as  a religious  institution  or  a life.  It 
has  carried  with  it  a something  which  spread  beyond  ordi- 
nary human  experience,  and  baffled  human  calculation,  — a 
peculiar  power  over  minds  and  hearts  and  lives,  which  was 
never  acquired  by  any  other  system  or  retained  by  any  other 
means.  The  world  has  been  astonished  at  the  spirit,  energy, 
persistence,  devotion,  and  endurance  of  its  votaries,  and  at 
the  influence  they  have  carried  with  them,  the  changes  they 
have  wrought  along  their  pathway,  and  the  triumphs  they 
have  accomplished  in  the  earth. 

They  have  themselves  been  no  less  astonished  at  their 
own  experience  and  history,  at  the  signs  and  marked  provi- 
dences which  have  attended  them,  and  at  the  strange,  divine 
authority  with  which  they  have  often  found  themselves  in- 
vested ; and  more  particularly  at  their  own  emotions,  their 
peace,  assurance,  hope,  and  triumphant  faith,  their  un- 
earthly joy,  self-possession,  and  repose  of  soul,  amid  the 


4 


tempests  of  outward  fury  and  hate,  and  the  armies  of  diffi- 
culties and  dangers,  which  have  surrounded  them.  A strong 
heart  beats  within  them  when  the  heart  of  others  would 
melt  as  water ; their  eye  beams,  though  with  mild  yet 
with  steady  and  melting  ray,  when  others’  would  droop 
and  languish ; their  step  is  firm ; their  hands  are  valiant ; and 
they  turn,  with  a front  before  which  no  cowards  or  guilty 
souls  can  stand,  directly  towards  their  assailants.  They  are 
themselves  swayed  as  by  an  unseen  will ; and,  through  them, 
others  are  swayed  as  by  an  unseen  power. 

You  already  anticipate  the  announcement  of  the  secret  of 
all  these  wonders  ; and,  so  far  as  you  have  been  blessed  with 
a truly  enlarged  and  Christian  experience,  you  know  the 
way  thereof,  in  the  manner  and  effects  of  its  communica- 
tion. 

When  the  chosen  apostles  and  disciples  were  gathered 
before  their  divine  Master  to  receive  their  charge  and  com- 
mission, and  he  said,  “ Go  ye,”  the  right  arm  of  the  govern- 
ment of  the  universe  was  pledged  in  their  defence.  They 
went  as  servants  of  that  government,  — ambassadors,  mini- 
sters, witnesses,  soldiers ; and,  while  acting  within  their  commis- 
sion, they  carried  the  authority  and  power  of  the  government 
with  them.  Witness  the  sublime  ceremonies  of  the  occa- 
sion, and  the  words  which  could  not  have  been  out  of  their 
minds  at  the  time : “ All  power  is  given  unto  me  in  heaven 
and  in  earth ; ” “ Go  ye  ; ” “ Lo,  I am  with  you  alway,  even 
unto  the  end  of  the  world ; ” therefore  ye  shall  triumph,  do 
w’onders,  and  nothing  shall  harm  you.  Such  powerful  logic 
can  nowhere  else  be  found,  nor  premises  which  so  amply 
sustain  all  the  legitimate  conclusions. 

Paul  received  them  in  their  power,  and  he  realized  them 
in  his  life.  He  gloried  in  the  cross  of  Christ ; and,  wher- 
ever he  carried  that  badge  of  his  office,  he  bore  the  authority 
of  Heaven.  He  beheld  himself  and  his  fellow-sufferers  for 
Christ  acting  a part  in  which  the  universe  was  interested,  — 
“a  spectacle  unto  the  world,  to  angels,  and  to  men.”  And, 


5 


seeing  they  were  encompassed  about  with  so  great  a cloud  of 
witnesses,  he  could  say  with  the  old  prophet,  “ Fear  not ; for 
they  that  be  with  us  are  more  than  they  that  be  with  them.” 
lie  taught  these  things  to  his  son  Timothy ; and  upon  this 
logic  he  based  his  charge,  when  he  said,  “ Let  no  man  de- 
spise thy  youth  ; ” and  “ We  both  labor  and  suffer  reproach 
because  we  trust  in  the  living  God.”  Through  this  line  of 
succession,  all  real  Christians  receive  the  same  : they  labor 
and  suffer,  enduring  hardness  for  Christ’s  name,  because 
God  is  with  them ; and  their  foundation  hath  this  seal,  — 
“ The  Lord  knoweth  them  that  arc  his.'” 

From  this  view,  we  are  brought  to  see  that  all  appropriate 
Christian  action  in  this  world  partakes  of  the  same  common 
nature  and  spirit,  and  must  spring  from  and  be  sustained 
by  the  same  general  principles.  Whatever  is  done  or  at- 
tempted, whatever  enterprises  are  projected,  in  the  name 
of  religion,  depend  upon  this  power  for  success.  Christ's 
presence  is  the  basis  and  life  of  all  right  and  successful 
efforts. 

This  doctrine  may  be  profitably  studied  iu  its  application 
to  specific  parts  of  Christian  life  : — 

1.  Christ’s  presence  in  the  soul  is  essential  to  produce  the 
vital  elements  which  combine  in  the  missionary  spirit  and 
in  every  aggressive  work  of  piety.  “ The  love  of  Christ 
constraineth  us.”  This  love  is  the  only  affection  which  is 
able  to  meet  the  demands  of'  Christianity,  either  to  enlist 
men  in  the  whole  Christian  service,  or  to  bind  together  and 
carry  through  those  who  engage  in  it.  We  feel  that  love 
only  as  Christ  is  with  us,  in  us,  in  the  sense  of  his  word. 
It  is  produced  by  him  when  he  comes  by  the  power  of  his 
Spirit,  knocks,  and  gains  admittance,  and  becomes  himself 
formed  within,  as  to  his  image,  the  traits  of  his  holy  cha- 
racter, the  hope  of  glory.  The  works  of  love  cannot  purely 
and  continuously  flow,  except  as  this  is  felt.  Love  never 
faileth : it  meets  the  lawful  demands  which  religion  makes. 
Without  love,  we  are  nothing.  If  one  is  destitute  of  this. 


6 


though  he  begins  to  run  apparently  the  Christian  race,  he 
will  soon  faint  and  turn  aside.  Without  it,  the  zeal  of  the 
individual,  the  missionary,  will  cool ; that  of  the  churches 
will  languish ; and  all  the  streams  of  apparent  piety  and 
benevolence  will  run  dry,  to  the  shame  and  certain  disaster 
of  all  concerned. 

Paul  says,  “ I bear  in  my  body  the  marks  [brand]  of  the 
Lord  Jesus.”  “ Always  bearing  about  in  the  body  the  dying 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  that  the  life  also  of  Jesus  might  be  made 
manifest.”  (Gal.  vi.  17 ; 2 Cor.  iv.  10.)  It  was  from  this 
presence,  a presence  as  real  and  perceptible  within  as  were 
these  marks  without,  that  Paul  derived  his  undying  zeal, 
devotion,  and  patience.  Ignatius  triumphantly  stood  before 
his  persecutors  who  sought  to  drive  him  from  his  Master’s 
service,  and  said,  “ I bear  about  with  me  the  Lord  Jesus. 
Seize  him  if  you  will ! Carry  him  up  to  Rome ! Cast  him 
to  the  lions  ! ” 

To  manifest  the  life  of  Christ  is  the  great  calling  of  the 
Christian  in  this  world,  — that  life  which  in  exercise  is  love, 
divine  and  holy.  Every  missionary,  every  professing  Chris- 
tian, every  soul  of  man,  must  have  this  life,  therefore,  or  he 
is  no  Christian ; he  must  have  it  as  the  first  great  requisite 
for  doing  the  work  and  enduring  the  evils  which  every- 
where are  met  in  his  path.  It  is  not  by  fear,  not  by  arbitrary 
law,  that  the  Saviour  seeks  to  recruit  and  govern  his  army, 
and  make  it  the  mightiest  and  most  devotedly  faithful  of 
human  forces,  but  by  love.  He  calls  with  words  of  love  ; 
draws  with  cords  of  love  ; binds  with  bands  of  love  ; and 
asks  (is  it  too  much  ?)  the  fruit  of  love,  saying,  “ If  ye  love 
me,  keep  my  commandments.”  “ Lovest  thou  me  ? ” is 
the  test-question  which  proves  the  qualification ; and  it  is  the 
form  of  installation  in  his  service  and  ministry. 

The  perception  of  his  beauty,  the  consciousness  of  his 
spiritual  presence  in  the  soul,  should  be  fixed  facts  in  the 
experience  of  every  Christian.  The  great  baptism  to  be 
sought  is  a baptism  into  love,  so  that  the  entire  life  shall 


I 


be  a consecration  to  Christ,  and  the  ever-present  ideal  of 
him  shall  give  patterns  for  every  act.  Any  other  spirit  would 
prove  false  in  time  of  trial  and  peril ; even  as  the  treacherous 
heat,  which  fails  to  move  the  machinery,  and  carry  forward 
the  precious  ship  with  its  freight  of  wealth  and  life,  when  the 
tempest  is  high,  and  the  fearful  breakers  roar  around  her. 
False  zeal  will  burn  out,  promises  will  perish,  vows  will  be 
forgotten,  covenants  will  be  broken,  high-sounding  words  of 
courage  and  devotion  will  vanish  into  air,  even  solemn  com- 
pacts of  fidelity  and  union  will  dissolve : but  love  abideth 
for  ever ; and  it  is  all  the  purer,  sweeter,  stronger,  when  it 
has  passed  through  the  fire.  It  links  the  heart  with  Christ’s 
heart  in  bands  of  heavenly  temper  and  power,  so  that,  where 
Christ  is,  there  the  heart  of  his  people  goes,  and  into  the 
work  which  he  attempts  do  they  spontaneously  enter ; and, 
while  his  heart  lives,  theirs  cannot  die  or  sleep,  or  shrink 
from  his  calls  to  duty.  No  opposition  or  threats  will  deter 
them,  no  fear  will  shake  them  : love  for  Christ  and  for  souls 
will  triumph  over  all,  and  prove  itself  a reliable  affection,  an 
infallible  motive  in  the  soul.  Love  never  faileth,  not  in  the 
greatest  emergencies.  Fired  by  this  love,  the  devoted  Macer 
could  mount  the  steps  of  the  Roman  Capitol,  in  the  face  of 
the  fiery  edict  of  Aurelian,  and  say,  “ Romans  ! the  emperor, 
in  his  edict,  tells  me  not  to  preach  to  you,  — not  to  preach 
Christ  in  Rome,  — neither  within  a church,  nor  in  the  streets. 
Shall  I obey  him  ? "When  Christ  says,  ‘ Go  forth,  and  preach 
the  gospel  to  every  creature,’  shall  I give  ear  to  a Roman 
emperor  who  bids  me  to  hold  my  peace  ? Not  so,  not  so, 
Romans.  I love  God  too  well,  and  Christ  too  well,  and  you 
too  well,  to  heed  such  bidding.”  And  so  he  rent  the  edict, 
and  gave  it  to  the  winds,  and  went  on  preaching  Christ  the 
more  boldly. 

2.  Christ’s  presence  is  essential  to  cause  such  a perception 
and  reception  of  his  doctrine  and  truth  as  are  needed  in  his 
service. 

Jesus  says  of  himself,  “ I am  the  Light  of  the  world : he 


8 


that  followeth  me  shall  not  walk  in  darkness,  but  shall  have 
the  light  of  life.”  Also,  “ I am  the  true  light.”  Peter  says, 
“ Lord,  thou  hast  the  words  of  eternal  life.”  And  he  is 
called  the  Teacher  that  came  from  God ; who  spake  as  never 
man  spake  ; who  declares  the  Father  ; and  who  knoweth  all 
things,  and,  by  his  agency,  guides  to  all  truth. 

His  servants  must  participate  in  his  knowledge,  that  they 
may  consistently  enter  into  his  plans  and  promote  his  cause. 
The  mere  letter  of  Christ’s  word,  alone,  does  not  give  this 
knowledge.  The  words  are  plain,  yet  they  are  perverted  by 
the  depraved  heart.  The  carnal  mind  does  not  receive  them. 
The  confusion  of  prejudices,  the  darkness  of  sin,  the  mists 
of  error,  the  blindness  of  unbelief,  are  all  against  the  true 
perception  and  heartily  receiving  of  the  words  of  life.  Away 
from  Christ,  men  are  under  the  power  of  the  god  of  this 
world,  “ who  blinds  the  minds  of  them  that  believe  not,  lest 
the  light  of  the  glorious  gospel  of  Christ,  who  is  the  image 
of  God,  shduld  shine  unto  them.”  The  light  that  is  within 
them  is  darkness  ; the  understanding  and  reason  fail  to  per- 
form their  true  office  in  religious  things.  Christ  must  be 
revealed  to  men,  and  be  within  them,  as  the  sun  of  heavenly 
wisdom,  causing  “ the  day  to  dawn  and  the  day-star  to  arise 
in  their  hearts.”  The  life  of  his  presence  must  be  felt  as 
the  “ light  of  men,”  and  his  love  must  warm  the  heart. 

It  was  his  company  and  discourse  while  in  the  flesh  that 
gave  such  knowledge  and  wisdom  to  his  disciples,  as  seen  in 
Peter  and  John,  who,  though  unlearned  and  ignorant  men, 
yet  impressed  the  multitude  by  their  boldness  of  speech,  so 
that  they  marvelled,  and  took  knowledge  of  them  that  they 
had  been  with  Jesus. 

He  is  still  with  his  devoted  people,  though  we  see  him 
not.  In  all  our  devout  communion  with  him,  his  divine 
influence  is  felt,  effectually  working  upon  the  mind  and 
heart,  making  the  truth  plainer  and  sweeter,  enlarging  our 
understanding  of  it,  and  establishing  us  in  its  knowledge 
and  love.  As  we  walk  closely  and  habitually  with  him,  we 


9 


imbibe  his  wisdom,  and  the  more  deeply  will  his  precious 
doctrine  be  graven  on  our  souls.  It  will  abide  in  and  pos- 
sess us,  enter  into  our  habits  of  thought  and  control  them, 
till  it  becomes  a part  of  our  very  being  and  life.  “ I believe, 
therefore  I speak,”  expresses  the  logical  connection  between 
having  the  truth  in  the  heart,  and  a true  zeal  in  proclaiming 
it  to  the  world.  Men  may  assent  to  creeds  from  worldly 
motives,  while  the  truth  has  no  power  in  their  hearts  ; but 
Christ  wants  no  such  hirelings  to  echo  his  words  or  encum- 
ber his  cause.  Their  professed  attachment  to  it  degrades  it, 
and  corrupts  the  doctrine.  It  is  only  those  who  feel  its 
power  and  life  in  the  heart  so  strongly  that  they  cannot  keep 
silent,  that  can  be  relied  upon  earnestly  and  faithfully  to 
proclaim  it. 

By  this  process,  the  knowledge  of  the  word  will  be 
always  joined  with  the  love  of  it ; it  will  be  our  meditation 
and  support;  its  ample  resources  of  "wisdom  and  knowledge 
shall  be  in  us  as  a wellspring  of  life.  * 

It  is  essential  both  to  know  and  heartily  receive  the  doc- 
trines of  Christ,  all  his  word,  or  we  can  have  no  effective 
instrument  of  religious  power.  If  his  words  abide  not  in  us, 
we  shall  be  barren,  desolate,  and  waste  ; we  shall  lack  the 
material  for  internal  support  and  for  aggressive  operations 
against  the  wicked ; the  heart  will  melt,  and  the  look  of 
courage  vanish  away.  The  letter  killeth  ; but  the  spirit 
giveth  life.  He  that  receiveth'the  word  into  his  heart,  alone 
abideth  and  beareth  much  fruit. 

It  is  through  the  avenues  of  the  heart  that  the  richer 
truths  of  the  gospel  come  to  the  understanding,  and  are 
firmly  seated  there;  and,  in  this  sense  even,  Jesus  is  “the 
way.”  His  presence  in  the  heart  introduces  divine  know- 
ledge, and  removes  the  obstacles  to  its  free  course  in  the 
mind. 

3.  Christ’s  presence  is  necessary  to  give  undying  interest 
in  and  reliance  upon  the  word,  as  the  instrument  of  Chris- 
tian warfare  and  power. 


2 


10 


We  may  learn  in  the  schools  that  the  word  is  the  great 
instrument  of  Christian  warfare,  — the  sword  of  the  spirit  ; 
but  in  active  service  we  shall  need  more  than  scholastic  or 
speculative  knowledge  of  this,  — a mere  theory  of  operation. 
When,  by  the  opposition  of  men,  and  of  the  infidel  arts  of 
“ science,  falsely  so  called,”  every  principle  is  put  to  the 
strain,  and  the  very  soul  of  man  is  upon  the  rack,  till  every 
cord  of  mere  human  origin  is  severed,  then,  unless  a 
divine  principle  underlies  our  plans,  and  sustains  our  faith, 
courage,  and  hope,  we  shall  be  driven  from  our  course,  and 
be  left  to  resort  to  such  extempore  expedients  as  may  occur 
to  our  fancy  or  fears,  or  as  the  noisy  and  tumultuous  people 
may  offer. 

He  who  has  once  felt  the  power  of  the  word,  as  vitalized 
by  Christ’s  presence  in  it,  cannot  soon  forget ; he  has  seen 
and  felt  that  there  is  a power  there  truly  divine.  His  know- 
ledge and  belief  of  the  word  are  grounded  on  a founda- 
tion which  infidelity  and  unbelief  cannot  reach  : no  floods 
of  men,  no  shock  of  time,  can  shake  his  trust.  And  to  be 
confirmed  in  the  habit  of  communing  with  Christ  through 
his  word,  and  of  finding  him  speaking  and  blessing  in  every 
page,  is  to  hold  intercourse  with  Deity,  such  as  Mahomet  or 
the  founders  of  Rome  could  never  claim.  In  all  his  faith, 
hopes,  and  labors,  he  stands  on  a foundation  which  abideth 
ever,  having  this  seal  of  God,  “ The  Lord  knoweth  (with 
acceptance  and  approval)  them  that  are  his ; ” and  so  his 
heart  is  anchored  in  the  depths  of  God’s  eternal  love,  and 
inspired  by  the  energy  of  his  eternal  power.  As  he  moves 
on  to  duty,  he  resorts  not  to  the  “ cunning  craftiness  of 
men,”  when  they  play  off  tricks  to  deceive  and  impose  i pon 
the  multitude  ; but  he  employs  the  “ power  of  God  unto 
salvation.” 

His  personal  interest  in  the  word  is  kept  alive,  not  by  the 
mere  memory  of  what  it  has  done  for  him,  but  by  the  con- 
sciousness of  what  it  is  still  doing ; his  reliance  upon  its 
instrumental  power  is  based  not  only  upon  its  logical  and 


11 


intrinsic  fitness  to  impress  men,  but  upon  the  certainty  that 
God  is  with  it  and  in  it,  and  that  the  Spirit  of  his  power 
goes  where  his  word  is  fitly  spoken  or  read. 

Nought  but  Christ’s  presence  can  sustain  a high  realiza- 
tion of  these  truths  in  all  circumstances  and  amid  all  tempta- 
tions. The  flesh  is  too  weak  for  reliance  when  we  encounter 
sinners,  and  such  sinners  as  the  faithful  exhibition  of  the 
gospel  calls  up.  The  temptation  to  “ daub  with  untempered 
mortar,”  and  “ speak  deceitfully  for  God,”  delivering  “ for 
doctrines  the  commandments  of  men,”  is  too  great  to  be 
withstood,  unless  we  can  fall  back  upon  the  ultimate  founda- 
tions of  faith  and  promise,  and  see  “ the  Lord  always  at  our 
right  hand.”  If  Christ  forsake  us,  or  if  we  forsake  him, 
the  next  logical  step  is  certain,  — that  of  leaving  his  word, 
and  “ turning  to  fables.”  To  do  that,  is  effectually  to  aban- 
don all  the  Christian  work,  and  to  enter  the  field  with  idola- 
ters and  unbelievers. 

4.  Christ’s  presence  is  necessary  to  give  practical  wisdom 
in  perplexing  difficulties,  trials,  and  distress. 

Christ  himself  did  not  more  excel  other  men  in  the  purity 
and  holiness  of  his  chai'acter  than  in  the  wisdom  with  which 
he  spake  and  acted.  And,  in  becoming  an  example  to  his 
followers  in  these  things,  he  is  not  merely  an  example.  His 
words,  “ I will  be  with  you,”  and  “ The  Comforter  which  shall 
come  in  my  name,  he  shall  be  in  you  to  teach  you  all  things, 
and  bring  all  things  to  your  - remembrance,  and  guide  you 
into  all  truth,”  have  not  become  obsolete  in  his  church.  If 
miraculous  aid  has  ceased,  the  divine  presence  has  not  ceased 
to  go  with  his  children,  and  to  work  in  them  effectually  for 
the  accomplishment  of  the  divine  will. 

None  can  need  to  act  with  more  skill  and  shrewdness  than 
Jesus  did  when  beset  by  Satan,  by  the  Pharisees,  chief 
priests,  and  scribes,  or  by  the  enraged  populace.  He  was 
never  deceived  by  arts,  never  entangled  in  his  speech ; nor 
was  he  cast  down  by  appearances  ; nor  did  he  waver  in  his 
course  or  thoughts.  Sustained  by  a good  understanding  and 


12 


by  the  Father’s  presence,  no  difficulties  could  overpower 
him.  What  he  needed,  his  servants  often  need.  A profound 
respect  for  his  example  may  go  a great  way  towards  supply- 
ing them  ; but  when  that  example  is  made  luminous  by  the 
divine  presence,  acting,  if  not  in  the  manner  of  miraculous 
inspiration,  yet  with  such  efficiency  and  certainty  as  to  bring 
to  their  aid  and  guidance  the  divine  wisdom  and  power,  then 
are  they  secure,  and  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God : they  are  sup- 
ported by  Him  who  was  tempted  in  all  points  as  we  are,  and 
who  feels  ready  sympathy  with  his  own. 

His  instructions  to  his  first  disciples  exhibit  this  presence 
in  bolder  features,  perhaps,  than  we  are  authorized  to  expect. 
He  says,  “ When  brought  before  governors  and  kings  for 
my  sake,  and  they  deliver  you  up,  take  no  thought  how  or 
what  ye  shall  speak,  for  it  shall  be  given  you  in  that  same 
hour  what  ye  shall  speak  ; for  it  is  not  ye  that  speak,  but 
the  Spirit  of  your  Father  which  speaketh  in  you.”  (Matt.  x. 
18,  19.)  It  is,  however,  still  true,  that  those  who  trust  in 
God  are  wonderfully  sustained  and  aided  in  such  trying 
circumstances.  Luther,  before  the  Diet  at  Worms,  where  he 
had  expected  to  encounter  so  many  devils,  was  not  alone  : 
Jesus  was  with  him,  and  gave  him  that  remarkable  power 
and  triumph.  The  holy  martyrs  and  many  tried  saints  have 
found  him  a God  at  hand,  subsisting  as  something  more  than 
an  idea,  or  mere  object  of  faith  and  love  : they  have  found 
him  present  in  experienced  reality  as  an  effective  host,  far 
surpassing  in  wisdom  and  number  the  forces  of  hell.  Every 
devoted,  self-sacrificing  Christian  is  authorized  to  hope  for 
the  same  ; it  is  included  in  those  words  of  comfort  to  Paul, 
“ My  grace  is  sftfficient  for  thee  : ” he  may  ask  for  it  boldly 
when  he  asks  for  “ grace  to  help  in  every  time  of  need.” 
And  when  he  has  exercised  his  own  powers,  exhausted  his 
own  resources,  and  sees  all  help  of  man  fail,  he  can  still 
look  to  Jesus  for  deliverance  : “ having  done  all,  he  can 
stand,”  and  “ see  the  salvation  of  God.” 

Jesus’  presence  with  the  tried  saint  is  better  than  the 


13 


fabled  speech  of  a Mercury,  or  than  the  transient  support  and 
applause  of  the  whole  world  of  sinners.  Dr.  King’s  experi- 
ence at  Athens  gives  a recent  sublime  illustration  of  this 
truth.  When  he  found  himself  beset  with  every  species 
of  opposition,  and  annoyed  by  every  form  of  insult,  from 
private  and  from  governmental  sources,  he  found  grace  and 
wisdom  to  maintain  his  integrity  and  to  wait  with  patience, 
till  at  last,  to  the  wonder  and  admiration  of  the  church, 
the  government  of  his  far-off  country  — to  which  he  appealed, 
no  one  denouncing  him  for  it  — was  moved  by  the  Lord  to 
interpose,  by  her  diplomacy  and  her  arm  of  power,  to  procure 
redress.  And  by  that  act  the  gospel  of  truth  and  justice 
triumphed  outwardly,  through  his  agency,  on  the  grandest 
scale  ; and  the  presence  of  Jesus  was  manifest  in  the  wisdom 
and  stability  of  his  servant,  as  well  as  in  bringing  such 
aid,  and  in  securing  ultimate  success. 

In  every  aspect,  this  event  is  of  the  Lord,  — QeC>  fibvu  6b^a. 

5.  Christ’s  presence  is  needed  to  give  good  cheer,  comfort, 
and  hope,  in  days  of  darkness,  discouragement,  and  fear. 

It  cannot  be  denied,  that,  in  the  long  struggle  with  sin, 
unbelief,  and  hardness  of  heart,  the  boldest  disciple  will 
grow  weary,  and  the  strongest  heart  will  faint,  unless  sus- 
tained by  other  than  their  own  resources  ; for,  besides  all 
the  inert  obstacles  which  the  gospel  meets,  the  enemy  is 
incessantly  striving  by  positive  efforts  to  crush  its  advocates. 
He  is  clamorous  against  the  truth;  against  the  means  em- 
ployed to  promote  it ; against  those  who  heartily  embrace  it, 
or  who  are  beginning  tp  listen  thoughtfully  to  its  claims. 
He  is  present  with  every  form  of  specious  error,  delusion, 
and  fanaticism ; he  practises  every  art,  and  profusely  spreads 
his  lies,  to  shake  the  confidence  and  draw  off  the  attention  of 
the  weak  and  fickle,  or  at  least  to  drive  them  to  despondency 
and  inaction  if  he  cannot  lift  them  from  their  course.  To 
use  the  figure  of  Bunyan,  he  dashes  on  water  wherever  he 
can  see  a true  Christian  zeal,  that,  if  possible,  he  may  damp 
the  ardor  and  hope  with  which  they  labor.  It  is  not  strange 


14 


that  he  should  to  some  extent  prevail,  and,  by  overthrowing 
some  of  the  weaker,  discourage  the  stronger. 

Laboring  in  such  circumstances,  unless  the  disciple  could 
look  up  to  a higher  power,  “ raise  himself  above  himself,” 
and  rest  the  success  of  his  cause  and  his  own  salvation  upon 
other  than  human  resources,  he  would  fail.  If  Jesus  were 
not  present  to  cheer  and  support  him,  he  would  be  like 
Samson  in  prison,  — doomed  to  grind  and  make  sport  for  his 
enemies,  without  sight,  or  any  reward  for  his  toils  ; or  even 
as  a soul  lost  in  deep,  dark  night,  when  no  stars  appear. 

It  is  human  to  faint  and  be  weary.  The  prophets  fled 
to  caves,  thinking  that  they  were  alone  in  worshipping  the 
true  God  ; Jonah  fled  to  the  sea  ; Christ’s  own  disciples 
scattered  before  the  powers  of  darkness.  All  who  enter  the 
list  for  truth  and  God  will  come  to  scenes  or  times  of 
despondency  and  fear,  when  only  the  steady  voice  of  Jesus, 
rising  above  the  tumults  of  sin  and  devils,  saying,  “ Be  of 
good  cheer ; it  is  I ; be  not  afraid,”  can  restore  their  souls, 
and  carry  them  forward.  His  presence  feeds  the  flame  of 
Christian  zeal  and  love  with  the  oil  of  ever-flowing  grace. 
Sustained  by  that,  though  to  all  human  appearance  and 
reason  their  way  seems  entirely  hedged  up,  yet  from  Faith’s 
heights  they  will  see  a way  in  the  trackless  desert,  and  a 
path  in  the  depths  of  the  sea. 

6.  Christ’s  presence  is  needed  to  carry  his  faithful  disci- 
ples through  the  fires  of  persecution  which  are  wont  to  be 
kindled  against  them. 

The  opposition  which  the  truth  meets  in  this  world  does 
not  spend  itself,  usually,  in  mere  words  or  scornful  looks. 
The  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  when  clearly  and  forcibly  pre- 
sented, assail  the  long-cherished  customs,  clannish  combina- 
tions, and  most  darling  idols  and  pursuits,  of  sinful  men. 
They  strike  at  the  root  of  that  upon  which  their  pride  and 
power  and  worldly  hopes  are  based.  Finding  them  living 
after  the  flesh,  and  requiring  them  to  live  after  the  spirit,  the 
gospel  introduces  a struggle,  which,  in  their  view,  is  for 


15 


dear  life  itself.  As  when  Paul  preached  to  the  Athenians,  it 
demands  the  casting  away  of  all  their  idols,  false  gods,  and 
empty  forms  of  religion,  for  the  one  new  God  and  religion 
which  it  offers,  — the  crucifying  of  the  old  man  with  his 
lusts,  for  the  new  man  in  Christ  Jesus.  In  a struggle  where 
so  much  is  at  stake,  all  the  powers  of  darkness  engage  ; hell 
itself  is  moved  from  beneath ; all  the  fury  of  evil  passions  and 
of  demons  is  kindled  against  the  messengers  of  such  truths. 

Missionaries,  ministers,  all  truly  faithful  Christians,  share, 
in  their  measure,  in  the  persecution.  It  is  an  every-day 
occurrence  for  them  to  be  beset  in  every  way.  Evil  men 
encompass  them  about ; yea,  they  encompass  them  about 
like  bees  (sometimes  in  sheep’s  clothing),  and  assail  their 
character,  reputation,  influence,  their  personal  rights  and 
peace,  and,  in  some  places,  life  itself.  If  the  Lord  were  not 
on  their  side,  men  would  swallow  them  up  quick  when  they 
thus  rise  up  against  them  ; but  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  will 
they  destroy  them. 

How  many,  like  dying  Stephen,  are  hunted  and  pursued 
to  the  last  extremity,  and  can  see  no  escape  except  as  they 
look  up,  and  see  heaven  opened,  and  Jesus  revealed  to  their 
hearts  ! The  forms  of  persecution  vary  ; the  spirit  of  it  will 
never  die,  so  long  as  Antichrist  lives. 

Nor  is  the  worst  persecution  experienced  among  savage 
heathen : it  is  often  met  with  where  the  gospel  is,  or  might 
be,  best  known.  When  a few  lone  missionaries  are  sur- 
rounded with  savage  cannibals  or  bigoted  idolaters,  aud  are 
beaten,  plundered,  and  threatened  with  death,  perhaps  finally 
devoured,  there  is  something  for  the  Christian  world  to  talk 
about  and  show  sympathy  for.  And,  when  Jesus  appears 
to  sustain  and  deliver  his  afflicted  ones,  we  adore  the  faith- 
fulness and  grace  which  are  manifested.  But  there  is  keener 
anguish,  there  is  deadlier  venom,  in  the  persecution,  when 
it  is  experienced  among  one’s  own  countrymen,  — from  false 
brethren,  or  plausible  pretenders  to  piety,  — although  it  may 
elicit  no  sympathy.  The  advocates  of  a corrupt  Chris- 


16 


tianity  ; Christian  communities,  so  called  ; even  churches, 
degenerate  and  worldly  with  their  false  teachers, — are  not 
unknown  to  the  arts  and  fame  of  persecution  ; and  they  do 
sometimes  afflict  and  torment  the  heralds  of  truth,  and 
others  of  Christ’s  children,  till  only  the  heart  of  the  sufferer 
can  know  its  own  bitterness,  and  none  but  Jesus’  ear,  to 
whom  their  daily  cries  ascend,  can  hear  their  complaints, 
and  understand.  Their  lives  are  in  peril  by  the  slow  torture 
of  hidden  anguish  and  grief  at  the  treachery,  ingratitude, 
and  hate  of  those  from  whom  they  hoped,  and  had  a right 
to  hope,  better  things  ; yea,  many  are  slain  in  this  way  for 
the  word  and  for  the  testimony  of  Jesus,  just  as  truly  as 
those  who  have  perished  at  the  stake,  though  by  a slower 
process.  Many  ministers  and  earnest  Christians,  who  are 
not  prepared  to  make  shipwreck  of  faith  on  the  demands  of 
worldly  policy  or  local  tyrants,  will  understand  this  from 
a bare  allusion,  more  fully  than  words  can  describe  it.* 
But,  though  persecuted,  they  are  not  forsaken ; cast  down, 
they  are  not  destroyed : though  their  flesh  wastes  and  dies, 
their  hearts  live ; for  Jesus  is  with  them,  and  they  can  fall 
upon  his  bosom,  and  be  comforted.  They  cannot  prove 
false  to  him,  nor  be  shaken  in  their  fidelity  and  attachment ; 
for  they  hear  a voice,  coming  as  from  the  skies,  which  opens 
a line  of  light  into  the  future,  “ Because  thou  hast  kept  the 
word  of  my  patience,  I also  will  keep  thee  from  the  hour  of 
temptation  which  shall  come  upon  all  the  world  to  try  them 
that  dwell  upon  the  earth.”  By  such  cheer  they  are  sus- 
tained against  that  grand  dernier  charge  of  the  enemy ; and 


* It  is  an  ominous  and  significant  fact,  that  the  intolerance  of  some  who 
stand  as  the  servants  of  Jesus  seems  to  have  carried  them  so  far  in  a way  of 
misguided  zeal  and  fanaticism,  that  they  appear  to  combine  in  afflicting  and 
crushing  out  those  of  their  brethren  who  cannot  see,  and  conscientiously  act, 
as  they  do ; and  many  suffer  from  clandestine  movements,  scarcely  less  than 
those  who  are  exposed  to  the  caste  of  liindooism.  If  such  a spirit  is  fostered, 
or  allowed  to  prevail,  the  time  is  not  distant  when  some  apostle  of  Chris- 
tianity will  be  needed  to  relay  the  foundations  of  gospel  piety  and  order  in 
our  churches. 


17 


next  they  are  seen  waving  palms  of  victory.  We  hear  their 
song,  — 

“ The  Lord  is  our  Shepherd,  our  Guardian,  and  Guide ; 

Whatever  we  want,  he  will  kindly  provide : 

To  sheep  of  his  pasture  his  mercies  abound  ; 

His  care  and  protection  his  flock  will  surround. 

When  through  the  deep  waters  he  calls  thee  to  go, 

The  rivers  of  sorrow  shall  ne'er  overflow ; 

His  presence  shall  guide  thee,  his  mercy  shall  bless, 

And  sanctify  to  thee  thy  deepest  distress. 

When  through  fiery  trials  thy  pathway  is  laid, 

His  grace  all-sufficient  will  lend  thee  its  aid ; 

The  flame  shall  not  hurt  thee ; he  does  but  design 
Thy  dross  to  consume,  and  thy  gold  to  refine.” 

We  have  thus  far  contemplated  Christ  as  intimately  with 
his  missionaries,  ministers,  and  most  devoted,  individual  dis- 
ciples. But  we  shall  see,  — 

7.  Christ’s  presence  is  no  less  needed  in  the  churches  to 
raise  them  to  a proper  standard  of  piety,  praying,  giving, 
and  laboring  to  spread  the  gospel,  and  give  it  success  in  the 
world. 

The  apostle  exhorts,  “ Let  the  same  mind  be  in  you  which 
was  also  in  Christ  Jesus.”  And  he  says,  “ If  any  one  have 
not  the  spirit  of  Christ,  he  is  none  of  his.”  The  churches 
need  the  spirit  of  Christ,  and  must  have  it,  to  be  fired  with 
the  same  love,  zeal,  benevolence,  and  holy  fortitude,  which 
filled  and  inspired  him.  The  realization  of  Christ’s  pre- 
sence alone  can  produce  this : that  tends  to  enlarge  the 
heart,  and  expand  the  benevolent  feelings  and  views,  so  as 
to  take  in  the  great  objects  and  aims  which  Christ  himself 
embraced  in  his  divine  love,  and  in  his  mission  of  mercy  to 
this  world.  “ Without  me  ye  can  do  nothing.”  It  is  certain, 
that,  without  Christ,  the  churches  would  attempt  nothing 
in  a right  spirit  and  with  adequate  zeal ; they  would  have 
no  just  appreciation  of  the  importance  of  the  work  unto 
which  they  are  called.  Neither  the  value  of  souls  nor  of 

3 


18 


the  gospel  would  be  felt.  Like  branches  whose  communica- 
tion with  the  parent  stock  is  severed,  they  would  be  fruit- 
less and  uncomely.  As  water  in  the  vegetable  world,  and 
blood  in  the  animal,  so  Christ’s  spiritual  presence  in  the 
religious  is  a sine  qua  non  to  vigorous  and  productive  life. 
If  this  presence  is  not  felt  pervading  the  churches  as  a 
vitalizing  fluid,  they  will  be  dead  even  in  themselves,  — “no 
life  in  them,”  whatever  “ name  to  live  ” they  have.  Christ 
must  flow  into  the  churches,  so  as  to  constrain  them  by  his 
love  and  control  them  by  his  will : as  a part  of  his  own 
body,  they  must  move  and  act  according  to  his  benevolent 
purposes,  so  that  what  the  churches  do  shall  be  the  carrying 
out  of  his  plans,  ever  ready  and  prompt  to  obey  his  voli- 
tions ; thus  realizing  truly  the  gospel  idea,  “ The  life  we 
now  live  in  the  flesh,  we  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of 
God.”  The  life  of  Christ  is  thus  manifest  in  us. 

Were  the  churches  warmed  by  the  life  of  Christ,  and 
moved  by  his  will,  up  to  this  degree,  there  would  be  no 
difficulty  in  maintaining  the  strength  of  unity  and  peace,  or 
in  raising  funds  to  send  the  gospel,  and  men  to  carry  it, 
through  the  world  ; and,  moreover,  there  would  go  with 
it  so  much  power  of  prayer  and  faith,  that  it  would  find  its 
way  to  the  understanding  and  hearts  of  men.  Christianity 
would  be  in  the  ascendant ; the  church  would  have  power 
with  God  and  with  men,  and  would  prevail. 

Christ’s  life  is  obstructed  in  the  churches  before  it  is 
obstructed  in  the  world.  Let  them  copy  the  example  of 
the  primitive  church  (Acts  iv.  23-33)  when  Peter  and  John 
reported  unto  them  from  the  chief  priests  and  elders,  and 
they  appealed  to  God,  and  with  one  heart  prayed,  “ till  the 
place  was  shaken,  and  they  were  all  filled  with  the  Holy 
Ghost ; ” then  not  only  would  the  word  be  proclaimed  boldly, 
but  the  Gentiles,  people,  and  kings  would  oppose  it  in  vain, 
and  their  threatenings  would  be  but  empty  puffs  ; savage 
hearts  would  melt,  and  become  temples  of  Christ  and  his 
truth. 


1<) 


The  prayer  of  faith  is  now  lacking,  as  well  as  the  gift  of 
faith.  It  is  feared  this  defect  is  general.  Dr.  Duff,  in  his 
farewell  address  at  Edinburgh,  says,  “ It  has  been  an  intense 
and  growing  conviction  in  the  minds  of  some  of  us,  that 
there  is  not  at  this  moment  one  single  church  in  Christen- 
dom, as  a whole,  in  any  way  adequately  alive  to  the  reality, 
the  true  nature,  and  transcendent  grandeur,  of  God’s  greatest 
work  on  earth,  — that  of  the  evangelization  of  the  world.” 
Besides,  there  is  not  unity  of  purpose  and  of  power. 
Christ  does  not  reign  in  the  nominal  churches  ; consequently 
his  authority,  spirit,  and  power  are  not  represented.  Indi- 
viduals cannot  represent  the  power  of  Christ’s  kingdom 
fully.  Individuals  are  weak  ; but  the  church  is  strong,  — 
i.e.,  if  Christ  is  in  her,  and  reigns.  The  church  should 
represent  the  power  and  authority  of  Christ  in  the  earth. 
She  would  do  it  to  her  honor  and  the  world’s  salvation  if 
Christ  reigned  in  all  her  members.  But  if  he  is  present 
only  in  name ; if  they  merely  pay  a compliment  to  him  as  a 
worthy  specimen  of  humanity,  an  example  of  goodness  and 
philanthropy,  and  adopt  his  name,  as  they  would  the  name 
of  Washington,  to  distinguish  and  grace  their  party,  while 
they  omit  to  take  him  as  their  life  and  power  and  sole 
reliance  in  saving  the  world,  — they  represent  only  the 
weakness  of  men,  not  the  power  of  God ; themselves,  not 
Jesus  Christ.  If  churches,  ministers,  missionaries,  do  not  en- 
throne Christ  in  their  hearts-  and  upon  all  their  altars ; if 
they  do  not  carry  him  and  his  pure  gospel  as  their  sole 
reliance  in  all  their  efforts  to  convert  men  and  save  the 
world ; if  they  are  given  to  human  theories,  philosophies, 
dogmas,  and  commandments ; and  if  their  devotion  or  ser- 
vility to  these  drives  them  to  variance,  strife,  and  bickerings 
among  themselves,  — they  will  become  even  a reproach  to 
religion,  an  obstacle  to  its  spread  and  triumph ; and  will 
represent,  instead  of  the  life  and  authority  of  Christ,  their 
own  folly  and  death. 

Christ  is  all  and  in  all  in  the  religion  of  the  gospel ; and. 


20 


except  as  we  make  him  so,  our  religion  is  defective,  and  our 
cause  is  weak.  His  presence  is  as  the  Spirit  of  God  upon 
Samson : while  we  have  it,  no  numbers  can  give  superiority 
to  the  foe.  If  human  aid  fail,  we  have  but  to  ask,  and  the 
government  of  Heaven  comes  with  legions  of  angels  to  our 
aid ; yea,  it  is  ever  at  our  side : it  is  represented  in  force 
wherever  Christ  is ; and  faith,  properly  stimulated  by  the 
Spirit,  can  see  an  armed  host,  the  mountains  filled  with 
horsemen  and  chariots  of  fire  as  they  were  about  Elisha. 
In  such  a position,  the  church  is  invincible ; her  heart  is 
established  on  a rock;  the  power  of  men  and  devils,  the 
gates  of  hell,  cannot  shake  it ; there  is  peace  of  mind,  con- 
fidence, assurance,  power  all  unearthly ; and,  moreover, 
there  is  such  a pressure  of  motives  upon  her  as  a cloud  of 
witnesses,  all  the  heavenly  hosts  of  spectators,  can  bring  to 
bear.  “We  are  a spectacle  unto  the  world,  angels,  and 
men.”  Let  the  church  feel  what  a part  she  is  called  to  act, 
in  whose  presence  she  is  acting,  and  what  issues  depend  on 
her  fit  performance,  then  she  would  speedily  fill  the  world 
with  the  fame  of  Jesus,  and  be  permitted  to  raise  her  final 
song  of  triumph.  But,  if  Christ  be  not  in  her,  these  motives 
are  dormant,  and  her  heart  is  torpid. 

Let  the  heart  of  Christ  beat  in  the  church,  let  her  be 
straitened  to  accomplish  her  work  as  the  Master  was  for 
his,  and  what  a difference  we  should  see  ! Christ  is  not  with 
those  who  will  not  labor  to  evangelize  the  world,  — their 
torpor  proves  it ; and  the  churches,  now  drooping,  will 
languish  yet  more  through  lack  of  his  presence,  if  they 
cherish  not  to  a much  higher  degree  the  practical  missionary 
spirit.  And,  if  the  churches  at  home  languish,  what  will 
become  of  those  abroad  ? Their  life  is  intimately  connected 
with  these,  as  the  little  springs  are  with  the  larger,  all  living 
by  a mutual  connection  with  the  great  fountain.  There 
is  a chain  of  communication  running  from  the  home  to  the 
mission  churches,  as  from  a working  battery  to  the  receiving, 
in  telegraphic  lines.  If  the  electric  power  is  not  sent  from 


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these,  the  machinery  there  will  be  inoperative ; and  how  can 
^ the  missionaries  read  off  to  the  heathen  the  words  of  divine 

life  ? 

Christ’s  presence  alone  can  check  a growing  worldliness, 
and  counteract  the  danger  from  increasing  wealth.  When 
men  prosper  in  business,  and  begin  to  regard  riches  as  their 
own,  and  not  Christ’s,  and  withhold  from  him  the  tribute 
which  is  his  due,  their  hearts  will  rust,  their  religion  will 
canker  and  die  ; for  — 

“ Gold  and  grace  did  never  yet  agree  : 

Religion  always  sides  with  poverty,”  — 

at  least  in  spirit.  When  any  hoard  up  riches  for  themselves, 
and  are  not  rich  towards  God,  they  are  in  peril.  There  is 
no  expedient  by  which  they  can  save  themselves,  till  they 
return  to  Christ,  and  hold  their  riches  subject  to  his  order, 
and  do  business  as  his  stewards,  making  money  for  use 
in  his  cause. 

All  pride  and  vanity,  all  love  of  distinction  and  honor, 
all  worldly  power  and  authority,  must  be  brought  forth,  and 
sacrificed  at  his  altars.  This  will  include  desire  for  supre- 
macy in  the  churches  as  well  as  in  the  world.  Let  Christ 
fill  every  desire,  thought,  and  aim,  so  as  to  be  head  over  all. 
He  must  be  head  oyer  every  believer,  over  all  the  churches, 
over  the  mission  churches,  so  as  to  control  them  by  his  Avoid 
and  spirit.  His  presence  must  destroy  the  Avish  to  lord  it 
one  over  another,  or  to  exercise  any  undue  interference  any- 
where or  for  any  cause.  “ Where  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  is, 
there  is  liberty ; ” and  Christian  liberty  is  liberty  indeed. 
Christ’s  freemen  are  free  indeed,  having  no  yoke  in  religion 
but  Christ’s. 

Could  Christ’s  spirit  perArade  the  churches,  the  form  of 
godliness  would  be  less  idolized,  the  power  of  it  would 
be  more  appreciated.  Local  laws  and  prejudices  would  lose 
their  force  and  power  for  mischief ; consequently  the  proper 
Avork  of  Christ’s  servants  would  be  less  impeded. 


\ 


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Alas  ! how  much  is  the  true  power  of  individuals  and  of 
the  church  now  crippled  by  the  petty  strifes  of  men,  grow- 
ing out  of  sectarian  bigotry  and  fanaticism,  or  of  human 
arrogance  and  ambition ! When  any  attempt  to  make  all 
others  bow  to  their  will,  and  dictate  to  brethren  and  the 
churches  how  they  shall  serve  the  Lord,  they  usurp  the  func- 
tions which  pertain  to  the  Master’s  office  only.  Respect 
for  and  obedience  to  the  laws  of  Christ’s  kingdom,  as 
he  has  ordained,  alone  can  maintain  the  harmony  of  his 
people  ; and  this  is  the  common,  divine  basis,  on  which  alone 
all  true  disciples  can  unite.  To  set  up  other  laws  than 
these,  will  make  disturbance,  so  long  as  any  hold  to  these  as 
God  requires. 

Let  us  rejoice  to  have  the  gospel  preached  by  whatever 
means,  even  as  Paul  did ; and  let  the  church  consider  herself 
a debtor  to  the  world  to  this  amount,  — that  she  must  give 
the  gospel  to  all  men ; see  that  it  is  faithfully  and  fully 
preached  to  Jew  and  Gentile,  high  and  low,  rich  and  poor, 
bond  and  free,  master  and  slave.  North  and  South,  East  and 
West,  — to  every  creature,  made  subject  to  the  government 
of  God,  having  an  immortal  soul  dependent  for  salvation 
on  that  knowledge  and  grace  which  the  gospel  alone  can 
present.  No  considerations  or  questions  should  hinder  this 
work.  Would  she  go  work  in  Christ’s  spirit,  absorbed  in 
this  feeling  and  aim,  her  garments  would  no  longer  trail 
in  the  dust,  the  millennium  would  not  be  so  slow  in 
coming. 

Upon  this  divine,  catholic  basis,  and  supported  by  the 
principles  which  this  subject  presents,  Christian  brethren 
and  friends,  let  us  labor,  and  not  faint  in  any  Christian  duty. 
“ Lo,  I am  with  you  alway.”  What  sweet  words  ! How 
should  faith  exult  in  them,  and  lead  our  way  in  perpetual 
triumph  ! If  we  truly  take  them  to  our  hearts,  and  feel 
their  power,  then  may  we,  to  any  extent  required,  both  labor 
and  suffer  reproach,  because  we  trust  in  the  living  God,  the 
special  Preserver  of  those  that  believe.  As  we  go  under 


23 


the  banner  of  the  cross,  we  know  that  Christ,  the  Lord  of 
armies,  shall  both  go  before  us  and  be  our  rearward.  And, 
“ if  he  be  for  us,  who  can  be  against  us  ? ” And  if  we  are 
faithful  to  the  end,  when  this  brief  life  shall  draw  to  a close, 
and  we  come  to  lie  down  in  the  physical  agonies  of  death, 
the  Saviour  will  then  be  at  our  side,  and  will  bid  us  fear 
not,  but  rest  our  hearts  in  unshaken  confidence  upon  his 
bosom  ; while  all  sorrow  and  regret  will  flee  away  before  the 
sweet  reflection  that  we  “ have  toiled  for  other  worlds  than 
this.” 


/ 


